Secret of Mana

As with other well-regarded classic games that have come to the Virtual Console, it would be easy to continue to sing Secret of Mana's praises for many more pages -- there are many more reasons it's been named to the Top 100 Games of All Time, so many times, over the years. But the important point to make is that Secret of Mana is well worth your notice, and your investment of 800 Wii Points. For just eight bucks, you can rediscover (or experience for the first time) one of Squaresoft's most loved 16-bit SNES classics. And, better still, you can play it in an improved form -- it's easier to ex...

Although the storyline isn't quite as epic as Square's Final Fantasy series of games, it still offers a fairly long and engaging quest that should keep rpg fans busy for awhile. Secret of Mana manages to take the action-rpg stylings of Legend of Zelda, and add that trademark Square feel to it. Even though this is an action-rpg, it somehow manages to feel a little like a standard rpg due to the increased strategetic elements that are carefully injected into the game. The action combat stylings of this game may take some gamers a little time to get used to, but in the end what you're left with i...

There is a lot wrong with this remake and a lot of missed opportunities in terms of updating a game for the modern age, but at its core, it is still Secret of Mana and that is a game that everyone should play at least once.

Trouble in paradise.

Secret of Mana is a broken game that I will always love. Playing through the recent remake forced me to reckon with why that is.

After its predecessor received a full 3D remake, we can finally enjoy a modern interpretation of Square's classic action RPG Seiken Densetsu 2. Invite a couple friends over and let's go on a magic-filled adventure!

This transition from 2D to 3D feels clunky and uninspired, but it still has a few bright spots.

History does not repeat itself. Contrary to popular belief, it’s hardly ever true that two points in time occurred in exactly the same way. Such is the case with the 25-year-old JRPG cult classic Secret of Mana and its recently released remake. While a fresh coat of paint may not always be a bad thing, the latter doubts the greatness that the series is known for.

Those attempting to play for the first time are going to be dealing with the archaic systems on top of a presentation that feels more like a mobile port than a full-fledged console release. On the other hand, returning players will probably find themselves disappointed with the remixed soundtrack and lack of any work done to polish the rough edges. Nostalgic gamers should just stick to the SNES original, newcomers really don’t even need to bother.

A disappointing RPG remake for PC.

The original Secret of Mana was a charming, imaginative adventure that made a considerable impact on a lot of gamers' lives. Any attempt to reinvent that experience implies two things: that the original game had room for improvement, and that modern technology and design can bring about such improvements. Sadly, while the original Secret of Mana was by no means a flawless experience, the remake's attempt to improve upon the formula has resulted in a game that's markedly inferior by comparison.

Nostalgia is a funny thing. At a glance, it is that longing for the days-gone-by; a desire to relive those moments that our subconscious deems joyous and special. Going deeper, nostalgia is a feeling of loss, of distance, and, in some ways, of grief. You may get the feeling of nostalgia when thinking about a lost grandparent or pet. You experience nostalgia when hearing songs you associate with a prominent event in your life, such as a wedding (or break-up). You get the feeling when rememberi...